Mark Twain. Photo by Flickr user sfjalar used under a Creative Commons License

I just received the following note from my friend Camilla Fox. Check it out:

Gary:
For all of you literary buffs …

“(Reuters) — Leading Mark Twain scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin`s latest research suggests that Twain was the most prominent American of his day to throw his weight behind the movement for animal welfare. In her new book entitled ‘Mark Twain’s Book of Animals,’ Fishkin, a Stanford English professor, examines how Twain`s fascination with and advocacy for animals reveals itself in many of his works. In the book’s introduction and afterword, Fishkin suggests that Twain’s works played a pivotal role in raising Americans’ concerns about cruelty to animals and the exploitation of non-human animals by humans.”

Not vouching for her accuracy of literary interpretation as I haven’t read this yet, but sharing with those I know who love literature (and animals!).Camilla Fox, founding director, Project Coyote & Wildlife Consultant, Larkspur, CAhttp://www.projectcoyote.org

Camilla:
I definitely have to get a copy of this book and read it! Thanks for the tip! /Gary